Memorial

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S/Sgt George M. Richardson graduated from Dupont Manual Training High School in 1941.

He entered the Army on 30 March 1943 at Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indiana.

The Ritzy Blitz was flying in the low squadron of the lead group and was piloted by 2nd Lt Wayne D. Hedglin from the 324th Squadron. Initial attacks on the low squadron set the no.1 engine on fire and the plane fell from formation. Continued intense German attacks battered the B-17, control was lost and spinning began. Bailing was nearly impossible and didn’t begin until about 7000 ft. maximum. At least three crewmen were badly injured or killed. Lt Wayne Hedglin was the last of the capable men to leave the plane at about 500 feet and his chute had barely opened when he slammed into the side of a house, but he wasn’t badly injured. He noticed that pieces of the plane were flying off when he left. Ritzy-Blitz finally crashed at Wennigsen, Hannover at about 11:30 hours. Germans found the remains of the plane spread over half a mile wide area. Five crewman, Lt McKewen, Sgt Wolf, Sgt Lascu, Sgt Richardson and tail gunner Sgt Lyttle did not survive. The surviving five crewman were taken prisoner.
From the 91st Bomb Group website:
Sgt George M. Richardson did have a chance to jump out of the plane, but didn't jump as one of the crewmembers was stuck by the door. He was afraid to interfere with the attempts to free the man of the door. All of a sudden the plane leveled off and the door flew off Sgt Williams' leg. He rolled out the escape hatch, followed by Sgt Francisco. Almost at once, Ritzy Blitz again began twisting downwards even more crazily, trapping Sgt Richardson, Sgt Wold and Sgt Lyttle in the falling aircraft.